City considers merging housing, homeless panels

The Ashland City Council may dissolve the city's Homelessness Steering Committee and Housing Commission in favor of a new, merged commission that would tackle broad housing and human services issues.

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Posted Apr. 17, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Updated Apr 17, 2013 at 3:06 PM

Posted Apr. 17, 2013 at 2:55 PM
Updated Apr 17, 2013 at 3:06 PM

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The Ashland City Council may dissolve the city's Homelessness Steering Committee and Housing Commission in favor of a new, merged commission that would tackle broad housing and human services issues.

On Tuesday night, the council directed city staff to draft a new ordinance that would dissolve those two panels and create a Housing and Human Services Commission.

The Housing Commission long has been a fixture in Ashland, while the Homelessness Steering Committee was formed in 2011 with the intent that it be temporary.

The two panels could remain for up to a year as they wrap up projects and give input on the mission and responsibilities of a new commission.

"I'm not interested in a shotgun wedding that has to happen, say, next week," said Councilor Dennis Slattery, noting the two panels have made progress on their respective issues.

If the city does form a new commission, councilors said they want members of the existing panels to weigh in on its formation and role.

"I think their expertise is critical," Councilor Pam Marsh said.

Homelessness committee member Connie Salda√3/8a said members want to continue their work and are supportive of a new committee with a broader focus.

Salda√3/8a said Homelessness Committee members want a six- to 12-month transition in which they could continue working on a safety program for homeless women and kids who sleep in cars, showers for homeless people and creation of a veterans' court.

Housing Commission Chairwoman Regina Ayars said members are generally supportive of a merged panel.

However, they are concerned about a lack of focus on housing, since the new panel might focus on acute human services needs, she said.

Historically, the Housing Commission has worked mainly to provide affordable housing in Ashland for low-income residents, including low-income workers. Its primary mission has not been to support housing for homeless people, although it has supported some homelessness programs.

Councilors Marsh, Slattery, Greg Lemhouse and Mike Morris voted to move toward dissolving the homelessness and housing panels in order to create a broader panel in the future.

Councilors Rich Rosenthal and Carol Voisin voted against the move.

"I think this will come as a total surprise to people who track this issue," Rosenthal said.

Lemhouse said another opportunity for public input will come when the council makes the decision on whether to create a new commission.